Fire Danger Passes—City Burning Ban Lifted

On Monday, city officials announced that they would lift the burning ban, which has been in effect since Oct. 13. 

For much of the season, Minnesota has been at high risk for wild fires. In early October, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sent out an alert, stating that fire danger was at an all-time high across the state. At the time, the state was struggling to contain two large fires and several smaller ones centered in the Karlstad and Baudette, which had already consumed over 40,000 acres. An already dangerous situation was exacerbated by high winds, severe drought conditions, dry vegetation and low humidity.

“We have a unique and dangerous combination of fires that are not yet well contained up north, and a serious fire risk in the south that will continue to challenge local emergency response resources if additional fires should start,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr.

In view of the circumstances, state, county and city officials implemented a complete burning ban over much of the state.

Since that time, the state has seen some precipitation and  colder weather, which has decreased fire danger. On Oct. 23, the DNR lifted the ban on all but 18 counties in central Minnesota—an area that included the Twin Cities metro area. 

The fire danger rating has now been reduced to low in Dakota County. As of Monday, Burnsville residents can once again enjoy recreational fires as long as they follow the city ordinances, which require homeowners to obtain an annual open burning permit. However, the DNR advises residents to continue to use caution. Though recent precipitation has helped, soil moisture remains well below normal.